Ready to go?

Ah, yet another trip for me where I lugged around a lot of cosmetics and found that I really only relied on the basics. What made my trip to Japan different, however, was that I purposefully didn't bring any of my special/limited-edition items for fear of losing or breaking them. This means my beautiful new Smoking Eyes quad stayed home.

So it was a good excuse to get reacquainted with some of the things in my make-up kit that I don't use on a regular basis. Instead of bringing my Tarte cheekstain this go-round, as it got super-melty the last trip I went on (nooooo! also, unacceptable for hot'n'humid Japan), I brought Smashbox Skin Tint in "Heat". Great for putting on under bronzer, this is a near match to the DuWop cream blush in the June Bronzerush, but with the added benefit of not getting icky due to finger-swiping (mine appears to be full of lint -- um, ew?). I also found that my powder didn't rub off onto the Skin Tint as much as it does to the gel Tarte cheekstain, which was unappealing. Since I like applying it directly to the cheek versus swiping it onto my fingers and then to my cheek (granted, it gets on my fingers either way -- I just like blending it with fingers versus applying it), I was pleased that it didn't suddenly turn beige a la Tarte.

I also brought a new shiny toy, because why not? Alas, this didn't make it out of the bag in Japan, but I've already used it at home for going out. If you haven't already heard about NARS putting out their Multiple (lips, cheeks, eyes) in their famous shade "Orgasm", well then. I bought this when I should have been saving for Japan, but I knew I had to have it, and had been waiting for this since I first heard about it months before (from, I believe, Beauty Addict). While I haven't used it on my eyes yet, and I think it might be too pale for my lips, it's a great cheekbone highlight on top of bronzer and (surprise) Heat. Great for stashing in the bag for some extra night-time glow after work.

So now that I'm back from Japan, and back to earning a regular paycheck, you can expect to be hearing more from me (hopefully). Things I'm looking forward to picking up once the funds start flowing in again: no! no! from Sephora (has anybody reviewed this? at all? because I really, really want it), P.S. Kiss from Lancome (already on its way to me!), and getting ready for the holidays! Can you believe it's already October again? Any plans for super-awesome Halloween costumes?

Both Smashbox Skin Tint and NARS The Multiple can be found at your local Sephora or Sephora.com; the Multiple in Orgasm is a Sephora exclusive.

images from sephora.com